Athol-Thurman

(Editor's Note: Thurman Correspondent Evie Russell has been hospitalized for nearly two weeks due to a respiratory setback. For those who wish to send cards or visit, she is in Glens Falls Hospital, Tower 3 Room 2. True to form, Evie was observed last week ribbing the doctors and nurses and dispensing plenty of advice. Thurman readers are asked to help Evie out by sending local news to thom@denpubs.com or calling 504-4376 and leaving a message.)

Happenings here in the hills

Saturday and Sunday, March 19 and 20 brings us the ever-popular New York State Maple Days, which are celebrated in Thurman with many sugarhouses and one traditional sawmill open for the weekend. The maple farms will be giving tours and demonstrations, showing visitors the steps in making pure maple syrup. Maps will be available to guide visitors to the farms. At least one of the destinations are offering a pancake breakfast. For details, call 623-9718.

All of the Thurman sugar houses plan on being open March 19 and 20 as well as March 26 and 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thurman residents are anticipating that folks from near and far will bring their families for a visit.

Please be careful Thursday, March 17 to watch out for either pranksters or tipsy drivers on St. Patrick's Day. We wish all of our Irish neighbors a great day, including Mary McKenna Murphy of Warrensburg who will be celebrating her 100th birthday at a party on Cloverleaf Drive - complete with many dozens of relatives.

Personals

Celebrating Birthdays this week are: Eric Smith on March 19, Lance Chadwell and Chance McCraw on March 20, Patrick Galusha and Billy Arnold on March 21, Mark Kelly and Dan Cameron Jr. on March 22, Bertha Bellanger on March 23, Kaitlyn Kuklinski on March 24, and Rex Reynolds III and Josh Kenyon on March 25.

Happy Anniversary wishes go out to Charles and Barb Metzger, married 54 years on Mach 23, and to Bonnie and Bernie Monroe, 10 years on March 24.

Over the fence

Over the past 10 days, we've seen a lot more snow fall, and some people located in higher elevations have had to carve through snowdrifts as high as six to eight feet tall so they can see out their windows.

Sunday, the ice jam that started in North Creek on the Hudson River broke up and rumbled through Thurman territory, stopping at the Glen-Hudson Campsites.

Again and again this winter, we've been buried in about a foot of snow. While weather forecasters were going ballistic about these weather incidents, it seemed like routine weather up here.

What was shocking and deeply distressing, however, has been the news of the horrific earthquake and tsunami in Japan. We are all saying prayers for those who perished, and for the restoration of normal life for those who lived through the nightmare - which is still unfolding as this issue goes to press. It looks like folks from around the world are now reaching out in a much-needed relief effort, and we hope for the speediest recovery possible, although it might be many years before life in Japan returns to normal.

Whether its crocheting, quiltmaking or knitting, anyone who enjoys such a satisfying endeavor is welcome to join the Thurman Quilting Group. For details, call Myra at 623-2633.

Did you remember to send in your memories of a woman from yesteryear that had seemed to make a difference in the lives of others? Did she help you or your mother? Did she change our life? Send all information that you can remember and mail it to the Thurman Town Historian, P.O. Box 29, Athol 12810.